Goodnow Library Foundation Annual Appeal: Why Give?

The Goodnow Library Foundation’s first annual appeal kicks into high gear this week, with a boost from a $30,000 Challenge Grant.

With the Challenge Grant, each dollar donated--up to $30,000 will be matched by a generous Sudbury resident. That means library supporters can double the impact of their gift.

All donations will go into a new ”Foundation Fund for the Future,” an endowment that will provide for the library’s future needs. And, because the Goodnow Library Foundation is a nonprofit organization, all gifts are tax deductible.

Letters with appeal information are on the way to all Sudbury households. At this time of year, of course, mailboxes are flooded with requests from charitable groups. Why give to the Goodnow Library Foundation’s appeal?

Goodnow is not only a great resource for my children, but also has terrific meeting space for my work colleagues,” explained Jennifer Hunt of Candy Hill Lane, an investment banker and mother of two. ”And it’s a community gathering place for friends.”

Despite a hectic schedule, Hunt has made time to volunteer with the appeal because ”we all benefit from the library.”

Attorney Dylan Remley of Red Oak Drive relocated to Sudbury from Connecticut a few years ago. ”My family’s involvement in the (Westport) library, and witnessing how the library in our previous hometown was truly a community focal point” drove his decision to help the Goodnow Library Foundation’s appeal.

“I want to leave Sudbury a little bit better than I found it.”

Supporting the appeal is supporting the library. The Goodnow Library Foundation fills the gap between what town funding provides and the resources library patrons demand. It funds capital projects and purchases of equipment.

The foundation spearheaded the creation of the library’s new Community Gathering Space, which features a new display and reading area on the first floor. The gathering space also provides work facilities with a counter and chargers for laptop users, plus a coffee station. The project was completed earlier this fall.

Last year, the foundation funded a major renovation of the Children’s Room to create an inviting and colorful space with furniture, display cases, play structures, games and art.

What’s more, the foundation has led the way in updating Goodnow’s technology. It has donated Apple products, including new desktop computers, iPads, an Apple TV unit and monitor to permit teleconferencing, wireless printer and more.

Writer and editor Nancy Hershfield of Butler Road -- who is also a library trustee -- notes the personal satisfaction she feels from supporting the foundation’s work.

“When we went to the foundation wine-tasting fundraiser and saw that the library needed funds for an aquarium, we knew we had to donate to make it happen,” Hershfield said.

Now, every time she and her husband Rob come to the library and see children and adults gathered around the fish tank, ”we’re thrilled to be a little part of bringing joy and wonder to their library visits.”

Those wishing to donate can return the envelope enclosed with the appeal letter. The foundation also accepts donations online at http://goodnowlibrary.org/get-involved/foundation/

For more information on the appeal, email development@goodnow-foundation.org, or phone 978-639-3224. The mailing address is Goodnow Library Foundation, 21 Concord Rd., Sudbury MA 01776.